Before joining forces eight years ago, Ben Prok and James Fitch, better known as Prok & Fitch, have established themselves as one of the leading pioneers in techno. Constantly producing Beatport Top 10’s, managing their own blooming label Floorplay Music, and destroying clubs worldwide with their charming, and seductive sound.
EDM Sauce had the pleasure to interview the talented duo before the starting of AIM Festival. From talking about their newest EP, remixes, and their journey to Ibiza, it has been a satisfying year for Prok and & Fitch.
Your new EP ‘Nodding Dog’ what inspired you to name the EP ‘Nodding Dog’?
“When we travel Ben is always nodding off to sleep, he can spend a 3-hour flight with his eyes shut and is head dropping down, but it always springs back up… We thought it only right to name the latest thing we were working on at the time in his honor!!”
Having to work with some of the best house legends such as Todd Terry, Roger Sanchez, Ben Westbeech and Moby, with remixes garnering support from major players Carl Cox, Pete Tong, Tiesto, and Steve Angello.
How was it working with one of the leading pioneers Green Velvet in creating ‘Sheeple’
“We played at his party at Exchange in LA, having never met him before we had a fair few drinks with him and got on really well. We were buzzing after the gig so soon as we got back to the Uk we headed to our studio with making a track for relief our priority, the “Sheeple” idea came together quickly, and soon as we had a rough version we sent it to him. His reaction took us my surprise, absolutely loving it and within 24 hours he had sent it back with that killer vocal. Curtis had been playing the record through all the rough demo stages and every time was saying “you have no idea how big this record is”. At the time we were obviously very excited and looking forward to the release date.
It's a pretty special thing when you get to work with someone that you've respected and admired ever since we both got into electronic music. We couldn't speak any higher of Curtis, without a doubt, he's one of the nicest guys we've met in the industry and is an absolute genius when it comes to writing vocals and making records.”
How much fun is it working with Green Velvet?
“Curtis has to be one of the most charismatic people we've ever come across, he has an amazing presence and a real aura of fun. Whenever we're all together there's a lot of laughs and normally a fair bit of tequila too!”
How does it feel knowing you have multiple tracks released on some of the techno’s hottest labels?
“We've worked really hard to get our music to where it is now. It's been an interesting journey but we really feel like we've found our place and releasing the music you're truly passionate about on your favorite labels is something we're very proud of.”
Their own imprint and beacon of quality, Floorplay Music, celebrated its 40th release last year, with notable hits from ATFC and David Penn. Expect Floorplay to take things to the next level this year, with the boys hammering out tracks in their sets from fresh, new talent to be featured on Floorplay.
What are some artists that influenced you both before becoming Prok & Fitch?
“Todd Terry is without a doubt our biggest inspiration in the dance scene, always has been and probably always will be. His trademark groove & timeless hooks are something we strive for.”
If you could collaborate with anyone outside the dance music realm who would it be and why?
“We'd definitely have to choose Nina Simone, the soul in her voice coupled with our beats and grooves would be a match made in heaven.”
With their smooth rhythm and captivating bass lines is something to praise. Prok & Fitch have graced the decks at some of the most prestigious clubs in the world like Space (Ibiza), Sankeys (Manchester), Cielo (New York), and regularly spinning sets at the legendary Ministry Of Sound (London).
You can catch Prok & Fitch on the Monolithes Stage on Sunday, July 16 from 4-6 AM at AIM Festival. Tickets are still available HERE.
During your US tour, what was your favorite city performing in?
“That's a really tough question as all our shows were amazing, but if we had to pick one we'd probably say, San Diego. We played at Bang Bang and the vibe was ridiculous!!”
What’s your favorite nightclub performing at in the world?
“That's another tough question as there's so many but one clearly stands out for us and always will, the Terrace at Space in Ibiza.”
What’s coming up next, any new material in the works?
“We're super busy in the studio at the moment working on loads of exciting new music. We've got a remix coming up next on Lost recordings a really cool UK label that's been releasing some great music. Then we have a collaboration with a producer from the UK called PAWSA and something else lined up on Green Velvet's Relief label. There's plenty more but nothing we can discuss just yet.”
Tell me more about your adventure to Ibiza and your parties?
“Ibiza's always been a very special place to us, we've spent a lot of time there over the years and gained a lot of inspiration from partying there and hanging out. It's also been somewhere where we've had some of the most memorable show's we've ever done so it's definitely somewhere that's close to our hearts.”
What’s your favorite part about Ibiza?
“The hidden Gems: Beaches, little coves, restaurants and villa parties.”
What’s your favorite part festival season and summer?
“You can't beat playing outside. For us that's what it's all about, we spend all year chasing the sunshine and having those terrace vibes as our music really suits it.”
If you were locked in a closet with an iPod that had one song on it what song would it be?
“Moby – Porcelain”
Finish this sentence, PROK & FITCH IS……… In the studio again making phat beats!
